So it's time to add a solar panel...

If I had to do it over I'd skip the wire and connectors. Any wire will do and shoving wire thru a tiny hole would be easier than drilling a hole large enough for a connector to fit thru. Same with brackets. I think I paid 16 bucks for 4 brackets but 3x3 angle aluminum cut to size would be cheaper and stronger. Not that it's a big expense but this solar stuff can nickel and dime you a little bit. It's all as simple as wiring up a fog light.
 
Just a heads up I received an email from SolarBlvd that they are having a sale on their folding panels. Prices look pretty good. 160W 120W 100W. Thinking of picking up another setup for when I'm not pulling my trailer because my long 80W panel I bought from them a while ago is kinda annoying to pack in the LC. 100W or 120W... :D They are out in Norco too I've been by their business to pickup some cables for my previous setup. Save on shipping.
 
Looks like this thread is still alive! Well just for kicks, here's two solarblvd 45w's aboard Caper. Good panels for the money.
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Any leads on a good fab shop for stainless steel in the SF Bay area?
 
Is your Watt's Up meter wired with the panels on SOURCE side and battery on LOAD side?
 
Yep, panels on source side. The double set of connectors is a gender-bender, two of them allow the meter to easily be used to monitor charging while keeping with a standard of female pigtails on batteries.
 
Mitch

I run the Power film 60 watt and works awesome! When we were at stagecoach trails camping I laid it on top of my awning from Wed to Sunday morning and never had a power issue.
 
Powerfilm would be great if it didn't have a price tag high in the stratosphere.
 
Mitch said:
Powerfilm would be great if it didn't have a price tag high in the stratosphere.
Click to expand...

Yes, the advantages of light weight and compactness for me were outweighed by price and 60 watts. I got 20 more watts with my panels at half the price. That said, in retrospect I still paid to much and wouldn't mind another 20 watts for a total of about 100. I use a lot of juice in camp with all my gadgetry and 60 simply would not do for me :)
 
Next up will be looking at sizing and mounting a semi-permanent panel on the top when there is no tent up there to keep the AUX battery charged and the fridge running.

I'll be looking for something in the 60-80 watt range.

More details as I collect them.
 
If you go to OEX again this year see if you can get a smoking deal on the goal zero boulder 30's like last year. I think Trump and I both got out the door with 2 boulder 30 panels with all the wiring/controllers for approx $260.
 
I've got think that a purpose-built system can be assembled for the same or less than some pre-packaged "one size fits all/most/some" system or at least be a better fit to the needs. It will require more critical thinking and self-education.

Strongly suggest starting here: http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/ I don't agree with everything that he says, but sift though it and I think you'll find that what he has to say (& proves by doing it) makes some sense.

http://www.windsun.com/

http://www.solarblvd.com/

http://www.solar-electric.com/
 
Yeah, I built my whole 90W system for less than $200.

The Goal0 stuff is great for what it is, easily expandable, pre-assembled, designed to be interchangeable. But it's probably not the most cost effective way if you're doing retail prices.

Mark got an excellent deal at OVX on a kit that solved his immediate need, and he has the ability to easily grow his system. His panels are smaller, more portable and more easily handled than mine.

I must admit that the size of these panels that I have makes me want to leave them behind at times. I WISH I could afford the foldable stuff, it would always stay in the truck. The panels I have sit here in the den unless I know I'll need them on a trip.
 
I've seen the panels stored on simple slide-outs under the typical roof rack.
 
Yeah, I'm working on something to integrate into the factory roof tracks
 
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